Three members of the Elite Women’s High Performance Squad depart for Sofia, Bulgaria today to compete for gold at the 2017 Balkan Tournament, October 17-23. The members of the team have been preparing for the tournament since September 18 at the Olympic Training Center.

The three boxers representing the United States in Bulgaria are Rashida Ellis (Lynn, Mass.), Virginia Fuchs (Kemah, Texas) and Naomi Graham (Colorado Springs, Colo.). The trio of Americans will be looking to close out a successful year for the Elite Women’s program on the international stage. Fuchs will be looking to claim her fourth international gold medal this year, while Ellis and Graham will be making their first international appearance of 2017.

Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) will lead the Americans throughout the tournament, with Quentin McCoy (Colorado Springs, Colo.) serving as assistant coach. Also working with Team USA throughout the tournament will be Medical Manager Jarad Branski (Colorado Springs, Colo.), National Teams Manager Jess Luscinski (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Jose Polanco (Colorado Springs, Colo.).

The third edition of the Balkan Tournament preliminary rounds will begin Wednesday, October 18, with finals on Sunday, October 22. Follow USA Boxing for complete results of the tournament.